Eating Healthy for Your Eyes
Carrots aren’t the only vision-boosting super food! Finding foods that keep your vision healthy is easier than you think.
Eating healthy is important!
People don’t normally choose to eat healthy because they’re concerned about maintaining their eye health. However, it is just as important to consume eye-friendly foods as it is to consume other beneficial foods!
Certain foods have nutrients that help your eyes’ natural processes of blocking light damage, protecting against the eroding effects of oxygen, and preventing deterioration of the lens and retina. These nutrients are called carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin (to learn more about the benefits of these nutrients, click here). Omega-3 fatty acids are also important in maintaining healthy eyes because they are rich in docosahexaenoic acid, a compound that contributes to overall eye health and visual function.
Which foods provide these benefits?
Carrots are commonly thought of as being beneficial to your eye health. This is true, however there is a whole array of foods that also have these perks!
Leafy greens like cooked spinach and kale are at the top of the list. Broccoli, arugula, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini and eggs also make the cut. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like fresh or canned salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines. Other options include nuts and seeds like flax and chia.
Try adding cooked spinach or kale to an omelette, mashed potatoes, rice, and pasta dishes. Nuts and seeds make a great topping for oatmeal and cereal. Top roasted or steamed asparagus with a poached or sunny-side-up egg, or add some hard-boiled eggs to a leafy green salad!
You can even make a delicious eye-healthy kale and banana smoothie by combining in a blender one large frozen banana, 3 to 4 rinsed and chopped kale leaves, ¾ cup of vanilla almond milk, and ½ cup of mango nectar.
Contact Us
To learn more about how you can improve your vision health by making healthy food choices or to schedule your yearly eye exam with us, contact us today!